Multi-Layered Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydrogen fuel storage systems are not optimized for long-term storage of highly pressurized and cryogenic fuels, leading to fuel venting and inefficiencies in storage and transportation, with issues of leakage and mass/volumetric inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered hydrogen fuel storage tank system with a pressure vessel, insulation, vapor barrier, and structural shell, incorporating adjustable retention strap assemblies and crenelated rings to manage pressure and thermal expansion, allowing for extended storage and efficient transportation of hydrogen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional hydrogen fuel storage systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the storage duration is limited and fuel venting is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage durationVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner pressure vessel for hydrogen storage, an intermediate insulation layer for thermal isolation, and an outer structural shell for mechanical support. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, enabling extended storage duration without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system employs a nested structure where the inner pressure vessel is contained within the outer structural shell, with the insulation layer in between. This nesting approach maximizes the use of internal space while maintaining structural integrity and thermal isolation, thereby extending storage duration without proportionally increasing external dimensions and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If conventional storage systems are used, then the system is easy to manufacture, but volumetric efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolumetric efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inner pressure vessel utilizes a thin-walled cylindrical structure that provides sufficient mechanical strength while minimizing wall thickness. This allows maximum internal volume for hydrogen storage relative to the overall tank dimensions, improving volumetric efficiency without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Quantity of substance

If hydrogen is stored at cryogenic temperatures, then storage density is high, but heat insulation requirements increase complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage densityVSAvoidinsulation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat transfer pathway is interrupted by extracting the intermediate space between the inner pressure vessel and outer shell and filling it with insulation material. This creates a thermal barrier that minimizes heat ingress, allowing cryogenic temperature storage to be maintained without excessive insulation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation layer creates a thermal vacuum environment that isolates the cryogenic hydrogen from ambient temperatures. This inert thermal environment prevents heat transfer, maintaining high storage density through cryogenic temperatures while keeping the insulation structure manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

4Productivity

If pressurized hydrogen is stored for extended periods, then storage efficiency improves, but fuel leakage and venting increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidfuel leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a pressure relief valve that is pre-configured to activate at specific pressure thresholds. This beforehand cushioning mechanism prevents over-pressurization and potential leakage by providing a controlled venting pathway before critical conditions are reached, thereby maintaining storage efficiency while minimizing fuel loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system minimizes fuel leakage and venting, enhances storage efficiency, and maintains hydrogen in a stable state for up to 80 hours without significant loss, enabling cost-effective and volumetrically efficient transportation and delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a second layer comprising insulation for the first layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a third layer comprising a vapor barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Data Source

PatentUS11940097B2Systems and methods for storing liquid hydrogen

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 SAS BEYOND AEROSPACE

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a storage system comprising a storage tank configured to store fuel at a cryogenic temperature for a predetermined amount of time. The storage tank may have a plurality of layers comprising: a first layer comprising a pressure vessel for containing the fuel at a pressurized state; a second layer comprising insulation for the first layer; a third layer comprising a vapor barrier; and a fourth layer comprising a shell configured to maintain a rigidity of the storage tank.